Clean energy developer suspends wind project in Minnesota, cites tariffs as a factor

Clean energy developers have also long complained about the permitting process for projects, which often takes years and sometimes decades. On top of that, the nation’s energy grids are outdated. The situation has led to a backlog of thousands of clean energy projects across the nation as regional grid operators work to upgrade their infrastructure.

When added all together, the challenges have brought many developers to “a breaking point,” said Beth Soholt, executive director of the Clean Grid Alliance, a trade association that represents clean energy developers.

“There are ups and downs that a developer has to be able to handle, and they do, but we’re making it really hard for them these days,” Soholt said. “In National Grid’s case, it’s obvious that the tariff was a contributing factor, because it kind of tipped them over the edge.”

Projects totaling nearly 300 gigawatts — roughly the the average amount of energy produced by 300 nuclear power plants — are currently seeking connection to the MISO grid, which serves Minnesota and several other Midwest states. Of that 300 gigawatts, more than 50 gigawatts are delayed “due to supply chain issues, siting or other regulatory concerns,” said Brandon Morris, a MISO spokesperson.

The sheer number of projects vying to connect to MISO may help to explain why Plum Creek Wind spent nearly two years navigating the interconnection process. Part of that is due to growing energy demand as more people buy electric vehicles and electrify their homes.